2018 Lexus NX Refreshed: Sharper Outside, Smoother Inside

New nomenclature and a revised suspension lead the changes.

JOSEPH CAPPARELLA

Apr 19, 2017

Lexus has chiseled its NX crossover into an even more angular-looking piece for 2018. It’s mid-cycle-refresh time for the popular compact luxury SUV, and the visual changes are accompanied by a name change for the standard model as well as some chassis tweaks and an upgraded interior.

The standard NX, previously known as the NX200t—a logical name considering its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine—now has the less sensical NX300 moniker. The engine is the same, and it will surely continue to route its output through a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrid model keeps its NX300h nomenclature, and its gas-electric powertrain also is unchanged.

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If you didn’t like the NX’s polarizing face before, you probably won’t like its new one, which keeps the large spindle grille and the sharply creased headlights. There are a few new air intakes up front, along with new wheel designs, slightly thinner taillights, and a reshaped rear bumper. An F Sport option package is again available; it turns up the aggression with its black mesh grille and different wheels.

Interior upgrades are subtle and include a new metallic finish for several buttons, knobs, and redesigned HVAC controls. A larger, 10.3-inch central display screen is newly optional; it is controlled by a revised remote touchpad that we hope will improve upon the current model’s frustrating interface. A foot-motion sensor to open the power tailgate has been added to the available features.

Lexus said it has retuned the suspension for better turn-in and a smoother ride. Adaptive dampers are another a new addition—they’ll likely cost extra—and there’s more sound deadening, which should help with noise isolation. Active-safety features including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert are now standard on every NX.

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Expect the revised Lexus NX to go on sale later this year, likely with a slight price uptick over the current model’s $36,260 point of entry.